How to Fill Out a US Passport Renewal Application

The U.S. Department of State allows applicants to submit renewal applications by mail if they meet certain requirements. You may submit a renewal application if your most recent U.S. passport is undamaged, no more than 15 years old, was issued when you were 16 or older, and either displays your current name or you can provide legal documentation of a name change. After confirming that you meet all of these requirements, the next step is to complete the renewal application.

Step 1
Select the type of passport you wish to receive -- a passport book, passport card or both. If you're applying for a passport book, indicate whether you want a standard 28-page book or a 52-page book for frequent travelers.

Step 2
Enter your last, first and middle names in the corresponding fields. Enter your date of birth and complete the "Sex" field by checking the "M" or "F" box. Enter the city and state where you were born in the "Place of Birth" field, or the city and country if your place of birth is outside the United States.

Step 3
Write your complete Social Security number and email address in the corresponding fields. Enter your 10digit phone number in the "Primary Contact Phone Number" field.

Step 4
Enter your mailing address in the first line of the field marked "Mailing Address." Enter additional address information into the second line if applicable. Print the name of your city, state and zip code in the designated fields. Write the name of the country in the "Country" field if your mailing address is outside the United States.

Step 5
List all names you have used in Section 9. List one name in each field and attach additional pages to your application if you need more space. Enter your name as it appears on your current or most recent passport book or card in Section 10. Enter the passport number and date it was issued. Complete Section 11 if your current name is different from the one listed on your last passport. You'll need to submit a certified copy of a marriage certificate or court order as evidence of a legal name change.

Step 6
Sign and date the application in the spaces marked "Applicant's Signature" and "Date" at the bottom of page one and move to page two. Enter your last, first and middle names and date of birth in the appropriate fields.

Step 7
Enter your height, hair and eye color and occupation in the corresponding fields and the name of your employer or school if applicable. Enter phone numbers where you can be contacted in the "Additional Contact Phone Numbers" section.

Step 8
Enter your permanent address under the corresponding field if you previously listed a post office box as the mailing address or if your residence is different from the mailing address. Enter into Section 18 the name, full address and phone number of a person to contact in the event of an emergency and the person's relationship to you. Enter your travel plans in the identically titled field if you have specific travel plans.